Mobility access: the State Rooms, Buckingham Palace

Wheelchair access and step-free access are available via a separate entrance at the front of the Palace. Both must be pre-booked by contacting the Specialist Sales team +44 (0)20 7766 7324 or email specialistsales@royalcollection.org.uk. Wheelchair access is subject to availability. Limited vehicle parking is available for disability-parking pass-holders who pre-book wheelchair access and step free access.

Mobility Aids

WheelchairsManual wheelchairs are available to borrow, free of charge, subject to availability, for the duration of a visit. They must be pre-booked by contacting the Specialist Sales team (+44) (0)20 7766 7324, specialistsales@royalcollection.org.ukVisitors can use their own wheelchairs provided they are compatible with the lifts inside Buckingham Palace. The lifts measure 148cm in depth by 94 cm in width with a weight limit of 500kg; and 160cm in depth by 94cm in width with a weight limit of 750kg.

Mobility scootersMobility scooters and powered wheelchairs are welcome and can be used in the Quadrangle and the Garden, and are permitted inside the Palace providing they are compatible with the lifts. The lifts measure 148cm in depth by 94 cm in width with a weight limit of 500kg; and 160cm in depth by 94cm in width with a weight limit of 750kg.Visitors with Class 3 vehicles will be asked to set their speed limiter to 4mph. Manual wheelchairs are available for visitors to transfer if required.

RollatorsRollators (wheeled walkers) are available to borrow, free of charge, subject to availability, for the duration of a visit. They must be pre-booked by contacting the Specialist Sales team (+44) (0)20 7766 7324 or specialistsales@royalcollection.org.uk

Folding stools are also available for visitors to borrow; these are issued on a first come first served basis and are not available to book in advance, please ask a member of staff on the day of your visit.

Access

There are six steps at the Ambassadors' Entrance, the main entrance to the Palace, and 47 steps on the Grand Staircase leading up to the State Rooms.

A permanent handrail is available on both sides of the Staircase.

There are 41 steps on the Ministers' Staircase at the end of the tour - a permanent handrail is available on both sides of the Staircase.

There are ten steps from the West Terrace down into the garden.

Visitors who require step-free access can enter at the front of the Palace, where a golf buggy is available, where appropriate, for transportation to the lift facilities. At the end of the tour, visitors who require step-free access and wish to exit via the Garden can usually take the buggy from the front of the Palace around to the bottom of the West Terrace. Please note there is a half a mile walk out through the gardens. Alternatively, visitors can exit, using the buggy, the way they entered at the front of the Palace.

Lifts

There are two lifts at Buckingham Palace which measure 148cm in depth by 94 cm in width with a weight limit of 500kg; and 160cm in depth by 94cm in width with a weight limit of 750kg respectively.

Flooring & surfaces

Most rooms are carpeted and some have polished wooden floors.

The temporary structures on arrival and in the garden have decking flooring and the garden path is gravelled.

As Buckingham Palace is an historic building, the floors may be uneven and visitors should take care.

Respite seating

A visit to Buckingham Palace lasts approximately 2-3 hours. Seating is available in several rooms along the visitor route, on the West Terrace and in the garden.

Visitors are welcome to use walking sticks or folding stools with seat attachments, provided that they have rubber stoppers. Folding stools can be borrowed and are available upon request.

Assistance Animals

Assistance Animals are welcome, and water is available on request.

Shops

The shop is at the end of the visitor route, in the garden. There are ten steps down into the garden. The shop flooring is lino.

An alternative shop, with level access is located at the end of the Marble Hall. This shop is carpeted.

Lavatories

Accessible lavatories are located at the start of the Access Route inside the Palace. Additional, accessible lavatories are available at the end of the visit, in the garden.

Parking and transport

Parking is available for disability-parking pass-holders who require step-free access, but must be pre-booked by contacting the Specialist Sales team (+44) (0)20 7766 7324.

The following buses stop near Buckingham Palace and are accessible for wheelchair users: 2, 8, 11, 16, 36, 52, 73, 148, 211, C1 and C10. The nearest London Underground station with wheelchair access is Green Park.For further information please see how to get there.